Here's my logic because I have classified quite a few chemical occupancies whether we're doing the sprinkler system design in-house or it's going to a sprinkler contractor. As long as a chemical plant has under the IBC/IFC exempt quantities of chemicals - flammable & combustible liquids, health hazards, corrosives, reactives, etc., I will usually give it an NFPA 13 occupancy classification of OH2 because it's consistent with the IBC. Obviously, that doesn't apply to every situation. That doesn't mean I haven't made errors. If I do, fortunately, an astute sprinkler contractor will let me know. I avoid the Use Group H classifications as much as possible by convincing clients that indoor storage may not be a good idea or the chemicals don't have to mixed inside, because in addition to dealing with the fire water retention issue of 20 minutes, the IFC requires stand-by power for ventilation systems, explosion control is mandatory, etc.
To help me classify the chemicals I use the Hazardous Materials Classification Guide (because a lot of AHJs use it) and MSDS sheets. All that being said, I don't agree with the Annex that OH2 loosely includes Ordinary Chemical Plants. Just my two cents. I realize others may not agree, but that's okay isn't it? Regards, James L.(Jim) Roberts, PE/SET Fluor Corporation 100 Fluor Daniel Drive - C104F Greenville, SC 29607 864.281.5149 864.281.4916(Fax) ------------------------------------------------------------ The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain proprietary, business-confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, review, retransmission, dissemination, distribution, reproduction or any action taken in reliance upon this message is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the company. ------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
